02 July 2012
Security at Jersey’s border controls is to be increased from 9 July to help guard against increased risks of illegal immigration and terrorism during the 2012 Olympic Games. All ports of entry within the Common Travel Area (CTA) are implementing similar security initiatives to ensure consistency.
The CTA is a passport-free zone which includes the islands of Great Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The area's internal borders are not subject to immigration controls and can be crossed without the need for a passport.
The increase in security means all passengers arriving from outside the CTA will have their passport details electronically checked against national watch-list databases. This will result in limited delays for some passengers.
Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS) has taken steps to limit disruption to the public and to the carriers bringing passengers to the Island:
- officer numbers at the border controls are being increased
- embargo on leave
- multifunctional officers temporarily re-deployed from other areas of the service
- purchase of faster passport readers
- close liaison with ferry and airline companies
- communication of the changes at points of entry
- cooperation with the States of Jersey Police, the Guernsey Border Agency and the United Kingdom Border Agency
- trial runs to gauge the impact
The Olympics run from 27 July to 12 August 2012 and security will increase at the Ports from 9 July to 12 August 2012. This has been agreed with all partners, including the States of Jersey Police, Condor Ferries and relevant airlines.
The Head of the Customs and Immigration Service, Mike Robinson, said “In the run up to the London Olympics there will be increased security measures throughout the Common Travel Area. It is vital that Jersey plays its part to ensure that there is no attempt to use the Island to gain illicit entry to the UK.
"The measures we are introducing are judged to be proportionate to that risk and I would like to assure the people of Jersey that we will make every effort to minimise any disruption to the travelling public.”
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Beechey said “The States of Jersey Police have been liaising with Island and UK security partners on border controls and enhanced security, and we are fully prepared to respond to the unique challenges of the Olympic Games coming to the UK.”
gov.je